If you don't know the name Linus Torvalds, well, let's just say he's the reason you're holding that Android phone in your hand. He created the Linux kernel, which is what Android is built on. Anyway, he's never been a fan of any kind of cell phone. Until now. From his personal blog:

But I have to admit, the Nexus One is a winner. I wasn't enthusiastic about buying a phone on the internet sight unseen, but the day it was reported that it finally had the pinch-to-zoom thing enabled, I decided to take the plunge. I've wanted to have a GPS unit for my car anyway, and I thought that google navigation might finally make a phone useful.

And it does. What a difference! I no longer feel like I'm dragging a phone with me "just in case" I would need to get in touch with somebody - now I'm having a useful (and admittedly pretty good-looking) gadget instead. The fact that you can use it as a phone too is kind of secondary.

We've seen a lot of that lately: Multitouch makes the difference. So welcome back to Android, Linus. You've been missed.

Let's not waste any time here. Part four of Google's series chronicling the birth of the Nexus One tackles the manufacturing process, from the plastic molds to the electrical innards at HTC. This is where the magic happens, people. Video after the break. [Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3]

Here comes Part 3 in Google's series of short films chronicling the birth of the Nexus One. Dunno about you guys, but the bend test made me cringe. Video after the break. [Part 1 | Part 2]

Google CEO Eric Schmidt, or Schmitty around these parts, just tweeted that we should watch the ads during the 3rd Quarter of the Super Bowl. And to add even more intrigue, he says that someone said "hell has indeed frozen over". For those at home, that would be the same Super Bowl that airs the best, biggest, and most expensive commercials of the year (and typically a good football game). Is Google stepping into the world of traditional advertising? Are we on the verge of seeing a Google commercial? What would it be about? Google.com? Android? Nexus One? ChromeOS?

We're pulling for a Nexus One advertisement but could totally imagine a 'feel good' Google commercial that spreads the joy of life without specifying a product (you could too, right?). Either way, we think if a Google Super Bowl commercial is real, there's a good chance it's going to be awesome. And don't forget, Motorola is also releasing their own Super Bowl commercial about their latest Android phone (likely the Backflip) in the 3rd Quarter of the game as well.

What do you guys think the ad will be about? Who do you think is going to win? Are you more excited for commercials or the actual game?

[twitter via techcrunch]

Hey, all. Introducing a new feature to our AndroidCentral readers. It's a little space where we can discuss and feature the weeks best in the Android modding and hacking community, in terms that even those new to Android can understand.

This won't be device or carrier specific, so think of it as a showcase of everything Android has to offer us because of its open nature. Our seasoned veterans may find some of this redundant, but we're going to try to keep things on a level all can understand so we stay on the same page. This week's version is going to be a bit long so we can introduce some things, so bear with me.

Please keep in mind I can't be everywhere at once (until I perfect my cloning machine!) so it's possible I'll miss something that you didn't. The best way to keep that from happening is to send me your tips and links about all the cool ways we are customizing our phones. Just like the customizing community let's make this a joint effort!

Now on to the goodies.

Couple of nuggets of information regarding the fabled Motorola Zeppelin, if this slide, purportedly from an internal T-Mobile presentation, is to believed. 1.) It'll be called the Cliq XT. And 2.) It'll be available on March 10. Presumably we'll get an announcement before an actual launch, and we'll keep our eyes peeled at Mobile World Congress next week for just that. [PPCGeeks via TMoNews]

Three things I believe in: Android will dominate the universe, everybody should go sailing at least three times in their life, and Engadget's ability to parse the FCC listings. And they've done it again, matching up the Dell Mini 5 -- which we recently saw in the hands of Michael Dell himself -- with AT&T's flavor of wireless. Looks like it'll sport 3G and EDGE frequencies, and likely more for use outside the United States. Now all we need is for this thing to actually be released. [FCC via Engadget]

For as easy as Android can make your life, the simple task of getting photos, video and music from your computer to your phone isn't quite as straightforward as it should be. We're going to put an end to that right now. After the break: How to get your storage card to show up on your computer. No rooting. No extra programs. Just a few simple steps.

Episode 2 of Google's behind-the-scenes look at the Nexus One is now available. The second part of the five-part series takes a look at the AMOLED display and 3D framework of the device. Check it out after the break. [Part 1]

You guys wanted pinch-to-zoom on the Motorola Droid, and you're getting pinch-to-zoom on the Motorola Droid. At least in Google Maps, thus far, which has been updated to Version 3.4.0 and lets you get your multitouch on.

Let's hope we see a full multitouch update to the Droid come down the pike eventually. In the meantime, everybody get your update on. (Thanks to everyone who sent this in)

Update: Now with video.